Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) Support Group

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), also known as acute myeloid leukemia, is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells. Patients with AML usually present with symptoms such as fatigue, bleeding, infection, prompting medical attention. An abnormal blood test reading will then result in further testing in a hospital with a hematologist to determine AML.

AML in the elderly group >70

My husband is 74 and competed a 7/3 inducation a couple of days after being diagnosed. He is 2 weeks into full remission.

Drs say the bad blast cells would still be present (but not evident) and to keep them at bay 5/2 consolidation treatment is an option. However at his age there is a 10-15% chance that consolidation will result in death.

My husband, fit and young minded, does not want to go through another course; even though he came through the first relatively well (ulcer on is arm developed and an occassional kidney concern).

Our family is keen to learn about alternate therapies or other options and I wonder if anyone in Rob's age group has been able to extend remission time. His prognosis is 3-18 months.

While I don't have a personal success story to share, I'd like to chime in with what I know based on what I learned when my father was treated.
First, it is wonderful that your husband is in full remission after one round! Congratulations! Many people need more than one induction so this is a good sign. May I ask why your husband doesn't want consolidation? If he did well with induction then he should be fine with the consolidation because it's not as high-dose. The fact that he is fit is another huge plus. I would never tell anyone what to do, but I do hope he reconsiders. Those consolidation rounds are so important. Remember, he would be going into it healthy with no active leukemia and it's not as strong - much easier than the first time.
Whatever you choose, I wish you the best. He can beat this! Big hugs :)

So sorry about your husbands dx. I am 52 and over 4 year survivor of AML With chemo only. Induction and 4 consolidation. Consolidation is much much easier than induction. I sailed through. please don't focus on stats or percents.

Thank you both for your insight. I'm glad to hear that consolidation is not as bad as induction - which the Dr did say, but his comments were overshadowed by talk about the risks. Thank you also for the links Julie, which I will read. Appreciate your feedback and will keep you posted. Rob needs to make a decision tomorrow and we will find out more about the proposed treatment (his Dr is away and we are getting slight variations on which way to proceed depending on the stand in Dr we speak with).

13 years ago the doctor came in and threw my chart down and said " I have the worse news possible. You have minutes to days to live" Here I am 13 years later after a stem cell transplant. It is not a death sentence. I am proof

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